The “Lord, I Am Not Worthy” Problem

My sister died of cancer some years ago. Life had taken her away from the Church for a long time, but when illness came, she found her way back.

When I visited her, I would bring her the Eucharist. One day, I brought two hosts. I gave her Communion and then asked her to give me Communion.

She hesitated. She said she was not worthy to distribute Communion. She saw me as worthy because I worked in the Church. But not herself.

That moment stayed with me.

When I moved from the pew into parish work, I expected it to be a different kind of work experience. And there were amazing moments of deep connection and blessing. But parish work is still human work. There are staff tensions and there are a great deal of dull, ordinary tasks to be done.

Somewhere along the way, something unexpected happened. Some people began to look at me differently, as if working in the Church made me somehow special. There is a quiet myth many Catholics carry. That ministry belongs to those who are more prepared, more spiritual, or more “worthy.”

The truth is often much simpler, and far more humbling. God does not call the perfect. God calls the willing and forms them along the way.

This truth is woven throughout Scripture:

Abraham was elderlly.

Jacob was a schemer.

Leah was unattractive and unloved.

Joseph was sold into slavery.

Moses had a speech impediment.

Gideon hid from God in a winepress.

Samson was driven by personal desires.

Rahab was a prostitute.

David was lascivious.

Elijah fled in fear.

Jeremiah wept.

Jonah ran from God.

Naomi was widowed and impoverished.

Peter was impulsive.

Martha fretted.

Thomas doubted.

Paul persecuted Christians.

Timothy was reserved and timid.

And still, God called them.

The same Spirit calls all of us: some to professional ministry, some to serve as Eucharistic ministers, lectors, greeters, choir members, outreach ministries, OCIA companions, or small faith group leaders. The list goes on and on.

We are called, not because we are worthy but because God is faithful. None of us is worthy. No one ever has been. And yet we are all in some way invited to show up, to serve and be part of the unfolding story of faith.

We bring what we have. We lean on each other. Ask me to organize a prayer service or lead a retreat but please don’t ask me to keep the books or give directions.

So come as you are, not worthy, but willing. Bring the questions, the weakness, the unfinished parts. Grace does not wait for perfection. It meets us in the middle of ordinary life.

If you feel unready, you are not alone. This has always been God’s way to call, to trust, to send.

There is a place for you. A quiet yes waiting to be spoken. Come and grow. Come and be part of the story.